Namibia

Namibia's main seaports are managed by Namport and include Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Official port information can identify port facilities and authorities, but does not automatically establish that every port accepts foreign private yachts for full entry clearance. Before arrival, contact Namport, customs, immigration and a port agent to confirm the available entry ports and documents.

Ports of entry and departure

Walvis Bay Yacht Club's visitor information says to contact Port Control on VHF 12 or 14 and, once authorized, proceed to the area south of the club.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Arrival Procedures & Useful Information

Section 16 of Namibia's Port Regulations requires the owner, master or agent of a vessel intending to enter port, in principle, to notify the harbour master and port operator of the ETA at least 24 hours in advance; the port may accept shorter notice. Information includes vessel name/type, call sign, port of registry, flag, draught, length, gross tonnage, dangerous goods and any circumstances affecting safe berthing. This applies to vessels entering Namport ports. A private yacht should confirm the relevant form and submission method with the destination port.

Namibia's Immigration Control Act 1993 requires a master entering port to provide the immigration officer, on request, with passenger and crew/other-persons-aboard lists and reports of relevant illness, births or deaths during the voyage. This does not automatically authorize crew to go ashore. Visa and entry eligibility depend on each person's nationality and status. Before arrival, confirm list format, inspection time and shore-leave arrangements with immigration at the intended port.

Namibia's Customs Act requires the master of a vessel arriving at a designated place to declare the vessel, cargo and relevant documents to Customs. Port rules also require vessel-arrival notification and information. The provisions reviewed are general vessel/port rules; confirm the forms, agent requirements and declaration deadlines for a private yacht with Customs and Namport at the intended port.

Plants and plant products generally require an advance import permit and phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, and must be declared and inspected on arrival. Cats, dogs and other pets require veterinary permits, health certificates and vaccination documents according to origin and species. Requirements vary by species, origin and product. Official information does not clarify any exemption for food stores aboard ordinary yachts. Declare and confirm requirements in advance with agricultural quarantine and port health authorities.

Section 25 of Namibia's Port Regulations says a person carrying a firearm may not enter a Namport port area without Namport's written permission. This concerns access to port premises and does not set out the complete rules for firearms kept aboard a yacht in port. It does not establish that possession aboard is automatically allowed or prohibited. Before carrying firearms, ammunition or other controlled goods, obtain written confirmation from Customs, police and Namport about declaration, storage and permit requirements.

Namport's port regulations require yachts to register with Namport and obtain the harbour master's permission before berthing or manoeuvring within the port. Applicable licensing may also require valid life-saving-appliance certificates and permits for fishing or other activities. These are port-use/manoeuvring requirements, not proof that a foreign yacht has completed entry clearance. Before arrival, confirm procedures and current rules with Namport or the harbour master.

Fees and departure

The yacht club information lists an agent fee of NAD 500 per person, with children under 12 exempt, including some documents and transport. Check the date and current charge; it is not all national taxes and port fees.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Arrival Procedures & Useful Information